Mac and Cheese (Mac Daddy Style)

By mack

Ingredients

• 2 shallots, peeled
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 pieces bacon, diced, cooked, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded artisan cheese(parm and romano)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked
• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. While roasting, cook bacon on saute pan. Remove shallot and garlic from foil and chop. In a large saute pan, reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add roasted shallot and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 9X13 casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac n Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered at same heat until bubbling and lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.